Australian team condemns suffering behind Qatar World Cup

Representation pic

Australia's national football team Thursday condemned human rights abuses in Qatar ahead of the World Cup, becoming the first participating side to collectively criticise the host country.

Football Australia said the reported exploitation of migrant workers during stadium construction "cannot be ignored", and urged Qatar to legalise same-sex marriage in one of the most significant tournament protests to date. The upcoming World Cup - beginning on November 20 - has been marred by controversy since Qatar was awarded the rights 12 years ago.

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"We acknowledge the significant progress and legislative reforms have occurred in Qatar. However, we have also learned that the tournament has been associated with suffering for some migrant workers and their families and this cannot be ignored," Football Australia said in a statement.